Wereldmuseum is 125 years old. To mark and celebrate the anniversary, collectors and connaisseurs of non-western art have selected the 125 most beautiful works of art from the museum's collection for the exhibition '125 Masterpieces'.
Beauty is the exhibition's keyword. In the hushed atmosphere of soberly furnished rooms, where each masterpiece is displayed esthetically and on its own, all attention is drawn to the breathtaking refinement and the powerful expression and vitality of works from Oceania, America, Africa and Asia. In the context of religion and spirituality, these works are comparable to those of Da Vinci, Raphael and Michelangelo in western art. In terms of expression, they can be compared to Picasso, Max Ernst and Roberto Matta. Only when the best products of a culture are shown, is a claim of cultural authenticity justified. Catalogue Wereldmuseum is also presenting the masterpieces in a five-part catalogue: I. Restored to former glory; II. Tibet-China, Japan; III. Indonesia & Islamic art; IV. Oceania; and V. Africa & America. Each part contains text and photos that illustrate the texture and beauty of the objects. The part called 'Restored to former glory' recounts the history and development of Wereldmuseum, which began as the Royal Yacht Club of Prince Hendrik and has evolved into a progressive, contemporary museum with a rich, historical art collection. The five-part catalogue was created in collaboration with external art historians, collectors and connaisseurs. Lectures and guided tours Every Sunday visitors can join ongoing free guided tours of '125 Masterpieces'. The tours begin at 1 pm for children and at 3 pm for adults. Various lectures have also been organised. The schedule of events can be found at www.wereldmuseum.nl. Jubilee menu A ticket to '125 Masterpieces' entitles a visitor to a 10% discount on the Jubilee Menu in the museum's Cafe-Winebar. Opening times Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 8 pm. Admission fees Adults: € 12 Children under 12: free Holders of a museumkaart or Rotterdampas: free Persons in groups of at least 9 paying visitors: € 9 Address: Wereldmuseum Willemskade 25, 3016 DM Rotterdam 010-2707172 info@wereldmuseum.nl www.wereldmuseum.nl